Nueces County Warrant Search

A warrant search involves reviewing public records to determine if a person has an active warrant. A Nueces County warrant search should always begin from the court that issued it. This approach allows record seekers to access warrants and the sworn affidavits filed with them, which are usually available for public inspection in the clerk's office during regular business hours. Requesters can also contact the law enforcement agency that executed the warrant to search. Nueces County residents and agencies conduct warrant searches for several reasons, like addressing potential legal issues proactively, ensuring compliance with the law, or verifying a person's background for employment or personal purposes.

Individuals can also obtain warrant information by requesting Nueces County arrest records from the Sheriff's Office. Arresting officers generally include arrest warrant information in the record they forward to the Sheriff's Office after an arrest.

Are Warrants Public Records?

Yes. The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) permits citizens to inspect and copy warrant records in the custody of state and local enforcement agencies. The PIA ensures these agencies release warrant information upon request except in certain circumstances. For example, the sworn affidavit filed upon the request of a search warrant is confidential until the warrant is executed (Crim. Proc. Code art. 18.01(b)).

Types of Warrants in Nueces County

The Nueces County Sheriff's Office Court Process Division verified about 3,600 warrants in 2023. That same year, about 6,891 individuals had warrants, with just 29 mental health warrants. The most common warrants executed by law enforcement officers in Nueces County are bench, arrest, search, and administrative inspection warrants.

Do I Have a Warrant in Nueces County?

Individuals can check if they have active warrants in Nueces County by:

• Calling the Nueces County Sheriff's Office by phone or visiting them in person during business hours
• Using the warrant search portals available on their Municipal Court website to conduct a free search
• Contacting the Nueces County District Clerk by phone to inquire about their warrant status
• Using third-party online databases to conduct an extensive warrant search across different counties.

Active Warrant Search in Nueces

To find active warrants in Nueces County, inquirers may query the court where the warrant is issued or the law enforcement agency that executed it. For example, most local courts in the county have online search portals where individuals can find warrant information for free. Also, record seekers can visit their local police departments or the Nueces County Sheriff's Office during business hours to conduct warrant searches.

Arrest Warrant Search

Per TX Code Crim Pro art 15.01, magistrates direct arrest warrants to peace officers, including a sheriff or a sheriff's deputy, for execution. Therefore, record seekers can inspect or obtain copies of arrest warrants by phone at (361) 887-2222 or in person at the Nueces County Sheriff's Office. In-person requests should be made during business hours at:

Nueces County Sheriff's Office
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Bench Warrant Lookup

The best place to conduct bench warrant lookups is at the court where the warrant was issued. For example, the Nueces County District Clerk Criminal Division is tasked with issuing warrants at the county level. Therefore, record seekers can follow the links on the Clerk's Record Division page to view or obtain paper copies of bench warrants. Copies of warrant records can also be retrieved by phone at (361) 888-0450 or (361) 888-0550. Plain copies of warrant records cost $1 per page for all copies, while certified copies cost an additional $5 per document.

Free Warrant Search

Most law enforcement agencies in Nueces County provide free warrant search options. Some even freely publish warrant information on their websites and make them viewable to members of the public. For example, the Corpus Christi Municipal Court has a Warrant Search tool where individuals can conduct free searches by name, citation number, docket number, or PD case number. Law enforcement agencies typically provide access to view warrant records free of charge. However, individuals requesting copies of these records will be charged a small fee.

Can You Check Warrants Online?

Individuals can use several reputable third-party sites to check warrants online. These sites provide warrant records across multiple jurisdictions so users can find warrant information maintained by law enforcement agencies in Texas. Users will need a name to search, though additional search criteria may also be available to refine the results. A fee is required for detailed warrant reports, but basic information may be viewed for free on third-party sites. Users cannot retrieve any information on unexecuted warrants on these sites because they are confidential. Eligible individuals can visit the issuing court for such information.

Do Warrants Expire?

Yes, most warrants have expiration dates and become void if not executed within the specified timeframe. A typical example is an administrative inspection warrant, which must be executed and returned within 10 days of issuance (Tex. Occ. Code § 556.105). On the other hand, search warrants must be executed (excluding the issuance and execution days) within the following timeframes (Crim. Proc. Code art. 18.07):

• Warrants issued for searching or seizing specimens from someone for DNA analysis and comparison, including blood and saliva samples, expire after 15 days.
• Search warrants issued in compliance with Chapter 18B, Article 18B.354, or Subchapter G-1 expire after 10 days.
• Search warrants issued for other purposes expire after three days.

How to Clear a Warrant Without Going to Jail

Individuals with active warrants in Nueces County can clear them to avoid arrest by taking the following actions:

• Pay the fines resulting from the warrant using the Nueces County Courts' payment links.
• Hire an attorney or bondsman to clear the warrant before an arrest or obtain a new court date.

To resolve the warrant, visit the court that issued it during business hours. The requester must be prepared to furnish all requested identifying information about themselves and the circumstances of the case.